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    Home » Recipes » Summer

    Sweet and Spicy Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

    Modified: Jul 1, 2021 · Published: Jun 17, 2020 by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    374 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print
    images of spicy watermelon salad and jalapeno dressing with a text box in between
    images of salad ingredients and finished salad with a purple text box in between
    spicy watermelon salad with jalapeno dressing on a white rectangular platter
    spicy watermelon salad on a platter with a purple text box

    A delicious jalapeno lime dressing makes for a slightly spicy watermelon salad, but it also has hints of sweet, salty, and cool flavors from feta and mint. For only a handful of ingredients, there’s so much variety!

    spicy watermelon salad with jalapeno lime dressing on a white rectangular platter

    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my affiliate disclosure.

    With yesterday and today’s high temperatures in the 90s, I’ve been craving ALL the hydrating foods. Lucky for me, I found a gigantic watermelon at Trader Joe’s this weekend!

    We got SO much watermelon out of that bad boy that I just knew I had to use it for a blog recipe somehow. Then I experimented with the Honey Jalapeno Lime Dressing that I posted yesterday. And I started to think…how would it taste with fruit?

    Soon enough it dawned on me to create a spicy watermelon salad of sorts with that delicious dressing! I added some feta cheese for a little salty kick and torn fresh mint leaves for a cooling effect, and this simple recipe was born.

    If you’re looking for a tasty dish to serve for Father’s Day, 4th of July, or any summer meal, you’re in the right place. Watermelon salad is so easy to make, and in classic Veg World fashion, this version even includes some veggies via the jalapeno dressing.

    bowl of watermelon next to feta cheese, mint, and dressing on a counter

    Expert Tips

    • I like to serve this dish cold, so I recommend slicing up the watermelon a few hours before you plan to eat. Store in the fridge in an airtight container to chill.
    • You can make the dressing up to a couple days in advance, but shake well before drizzling over the salad.
    • The jalapeno dressing is key to making this a spicy watermelon salad, but you could accomplish the same thing with my Healthy Creamy Jalapeno Sauce if you’re interested in a different variation.
    • Fresh mint counters the spiciness from the dressing, but you could substitute fresh basil or cilantro if that’s what you have on hand.

    Serve this salad on the side of the Summer Squash and Dill Salmon Burgers, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers, or the BBQ Lentils with Shredded Carrots. Add another side, like the Grilled Broccolini with Lemon and Parmesan, and you’ll have a delicious meal on your hands!

    close up shot of spicy watermelon salad with feta and mint on a platter

    More Summer Salads

    If you enjoy this spicy watermelon salad, check out these other dishes while you’re here!

    • Blueberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Tahini
    • Sweet Corn and Cherry Arugula Salad
    • Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Butter Lettuce
    • Cashew Cabbage Salad with Bok Choy

    I’d love to hear how you like this recipe! Rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments, and follow the Veg World on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Looking for something totally different? Browse the recipe library.

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    spicy watermelon salad with jalapeno dressing on a white rectangular platter

    Spicy Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

    This sweet and spicy side dish features hydrating watermelon, salty feta, cooling mint, and a simple jalapeno lime dressing.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
    Total Time: 15 minutes mins
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 263kcal
    Author: Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

    Ingredients 

    Watermelon Salad

    • 6 cups watermelon - cubed
    • ½ cup crumbled feta
    • 6 to 8 mint leaves - roughly torn

    Jalapeno Lime Dressing

    • 1 jalapeno - seeds and stems removed
    • ¼ cup lime juice - from about 2 limes
    • 2 tablespoon honey
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ cup olive oil

    Instructions

    • Arrange the watermelon on a large platter or individual plates. Sprinkle the crumbled feta on top, followed by the torn mint leaves.
    • In a blender, combine the ingredients for the dressing and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can chop up the jalapeno and whisk it together with the other ingredients in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad. Garnish with mint leaves. Serve and enjoy.

    Notes

    • I like to chop the watermelon a few hours before serving so that it can sit in the fridge and get cold.
    • Sub basil or cilantro for fresh mint if desired. 
    • This salad is best served right away, and leftovers do not keep well.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 985IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @vegworld_recipes and follow me today!

    Enjoy the sunshine and heat! – Lizzie

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    374 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    1. Michelle

      July 10, 2024 at 6:12 am

      5 stars
      This was the perfect compliment to a summer meal. I added some small chopped cucumber and sliced red onion. It was a big hit. The dressing was perfect. I blended it to a smooth consistency. I’ll be making it again.

      Reply
      • Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

        July 11, 2024 at 12:23 pm

        Hi Michelle, I’m thrilled the recipe was a hit! It sounds like you made some delicious additions. Thank you so much for your review!

        Reply
    2. Andrew

      July 09, 2024 at 11:13 am

      Hi! Going to make this for a bbq. Did u use a seedless watermelon or just remove seeds? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

        July 11, 2024 at 12:21 pm

        Hi Andrew, I like to use seedless watermelon, but you can use one with seeds as long as you remove them.

        Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Lizzie, a Registered Dietitian and cookbook author who loves vegetables. And I'm here to help you love them too! My easy, veggie-forward recipes will help you get comfortable in the kitchen and celebrate the seasons.

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